EDITORIAL: Volunteer efforts allow veteran to realize his dreams

Sgt. Kelvin Woods at his remodeled home in southwestern Gaston County.

Published: Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at 07:52 PM.

From boot camp to battlefield, the men and women of the U.S. armed forces look out for each other in ways uncalled for in civilian life.

But what about later, when one’s military days are behind?

For Army veteran Kevin Woods, the answer is the same. His brothers and sisters in arms came to his aid at a time of great need – along with a contingent of Gaston County individuals and businesses.

The bonds of military service have continued after active duty, and grateful citizens have found a way to show their respect for the years this man spent serving his country.

Woods headed to the Army 22 years ago, fresh out of South Point High. Over the next decade plus, he worked as a motor transport specialist, trained as a paratrooper and finally realized his dream – becoming a drill instructor.

Along the way he met the woman who would become his wife and the mother of his son.

From boot camp to battlefield, the men and women of the U.S. armed forces look out for each other in ways uncalled for in civilian life.

But what about later, when one’s military days are behind?

For Army veteran Kevin Woods, the answer is the same. His brothers and sisters in arms came to his aid at a time of great need – along with a contingent of Gaston County individuals and businesses.

The bonds of military service have continued after active duty, and grateful citizens have found a way to show their respect for the years this man spent serving his country.

Woods headed to the Army 22 years ago, fresh out of South Point High. Over the next decade plus, he worked as a motor transport specialist, trained as a paratrooper and finally realized his dream – becoming a drill instructor.

Along the way he met the woman who would become his wife and the mother of his son.

Life seemed good for Sgt. Kevin Woods – until.

In 2009, he lost his wife to cancer. The next year, a motorcycle wreck left his paralyzed from the neck down and unable to care for his son. His happiness had been replaced with tragedy.

The perseverance and mental toughness Woods honed in the military, along with fervent prayer, helped him regain use of his hands and arms.

But it is help from others, led by fellow veterans, that has made it possible for Woods to live an independent life, reunite with his son, and chase his next big dream – being able to walk again.

When Woods purchased a home this year, the Society of American Military Engineers, Carolina Midlands Post, stepped in to lead a remodeling project that would convert the house’s standard construction into a home equipped to meet Woods’ special needs.

Word quickly spread that the Gaston County vet needed help and in it poured, an obvious show of gratitude to the sergeant.

Stewart Cooper Newell, the Gastonia architectural firm, and Charlotte Edifice General Contractors donated their expertise. Lowe’s in Clover and Belmont gave materials. The N.C. Air National Guard provided volunteer labor. By the time the renovation was complete, an $80,000 job had been accomplished for a mere $4,000, a substantial savings for this former military man.

Woods moved in a few days ago with him mom and his son, a serious student who attends Highland School of Technology.

America’s recent wars have brought a new generation of wounded warriors into our midst. Like Sgt. Woods, they, too, will need help from a grateful nation.

As another Veterans Day approaches, we salute all the men and women who have served in the United States military and we commend those veterans and civilians who extend a helping hand to all wounded warriors.